Indian Navy Commissions INS Mahe, Marks major boost in indigenous maritime defence

The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Mahe, the first in a new class of 16 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) craft, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing. The ceremony took place in the presence of Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who lauded the commissioning as a testament to the growing synergy among the armed forces and the Navy’s rapid technological advancement.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with more than 80 per cent indigenous content, the 1,490-tonne INS Mahe is equipped with advanced sensors, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and minesweeping systems designed to detect and neutralise underwater threats. The vessel will play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s western seaboard, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct coastal surveillance, submarine hunting and maritime security operations.

General Dwivedi hailed the project as a significant step in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence, emphasising the Navy’s increasing reliance on domestically-built platforms. These ASW vessels are part of contracts worth ₹12,600 crore signed in 2019, aimed at strengthening India’s shipbuilding capabilities and expanding the naval fleet.

With INS Mahe joining active duty, the Navy has added a potent asset to its arsenal, reinforcing its preparedness amid growing strategic challenges in the Indian Ocean region and underlining India’s ambition to become a major maritime power.